Taking a Toll

PORTLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Three months after the Maine Turnpike Authority (MTA) introduced toll increases and a revised Commuter Discount Program, NEWS CENTER looks at the effect it is having on Maine drivers.

Many commuters say the new system is incomprehensible, that it discriminates against people who live in Lewiston-Auburn, York County and other areas, and that it doesn't deliver the promised discounts.

"The numbers don't make sense," says Bob Conklin who commutes from Turner to Portland. He says he's paying anywhere from one and a half to three times more than he paid under the old system.

MTA Director Peter Mills explains the new system, and says he understands why commuters distrust the MTA. He and legislators say under a new law passed last year, the MTA is under much greater scrutiny by the Legistlature, is much more transparent and much more efficient.